Open 2WD mid-season update 

The Open 2WD class of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship is evenly poised with two rounds to go with up to five competitors still theoretically in the title battle.

Defending series champion Daniel Haines battled veteran driver Dave Strong throughout the 2022 championship and a similar battle was expected this year. The inclusion of talented Australia-based Irishman Glenn Alcorn meant another title contender would be in the mix this season.

It was the defending champion that drew first blood in Otago as he claimed the round win and 41 points for his troubles.

Alcorn came in second, with 39 points as Strong was unable to make it to the event due to logistical issues.

JP van der Meys and Peter Farrell each scored five points in the season opener after opening day retirments.

To Whangarei in round two and it was Alcorn that turned the tables on Haines – winning the event and grabbing the maximum 44 points on offer and taking the series lead.

Haines finished second and claimed 34 points while a resurgent Strong was third with 31 points.

A steady drive from Van der Meys saw him take home 25 points from the far north.

Alcorn had dramas at round three South Canterbury, while Haines wasn’t able to compete and add to their season tally and paving the way for Van der Meys to mount his challenge.

The Tauranga-based driver scored a class win ahead of Peter Farrell and Murray Percival.

With two rounds remaining, Alcorn leads the way on 83 championship points with Haines on 75.

Van der Meys is on 60 with Strong and Farrell still in the equation mathematically on 31 points with a further 60 points on offer over the last two rounds.